YNYS OWEN Merthyr Vale hidden gem

We start off leisurely along the banks of the river Taff through Parc Taf Bargoed  to Quakers Yard railway station, A short dogleg from there takes us to Treharris Park and a fairly steep climb up onto the drovers road and on through Penbwicha, a heavily wooded area with some remains of traditional long houses, Here we skirt Ynys Owen forest and continue on up to the common and look down to view Ynys Owen original translation Owain Glyndwr’s riverside meadow now Merthyr Vale village and community consisting of Aberfan, Mount Pleasant and the village of Merthyr vale itself , We turn the corner here , and make our way back  through common and some farmland following the footpath that runs alongside Tir Lan farm ( regrettably very muddy at this point) onto the road back to the car park.

The café is 1 mile each way walking alongside the lake if wanted

The common land at the top has cows and sheep therefore dogs will need to be kept on a lead. Considering the very wet weather , not too muddy but waterproof boots/walking shoes need to be worn